Reviews of Ongava Tented Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
145 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ongava Tented Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
17% success
17% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
96% success
78% success
44% success
17% success
17% success
9% success
8% success
0% success
0% success
"Wonderful game drives"
We were delighted to learn that Jason, our guide, had been trained by Enos (from Hoodia Lodge) so we knew we were in very good hands. We had three excellent game drives with Jason, two in the Ongava reserve and one in Etosha and in each drive Jason managed to lead us to lions, elephants and rhino (black and white).
One of the highlights of staying here is the waterhole so close to the communal areas so you see elephant, giraffe, white rhinos, and various buck at all times of the day and night." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
White Rhino
2 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Comfortable tents - very close to animals"
A good guide, prepared to listen to what we wanted to see - he spent 3 hours trying to find us elephants but failed. Later that evening an enormous bull silently appeared at the waterhole while we were having supper. Just brilliant!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Elephant
1 sighting
Lion
3 sightings
Oryx
3 sightings
White Rhino
3 sightings
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
"Dining/lounge area/pool overlooking waterhole"
The large dining area overlooked the water hole but otherwise it didn't have much character. It was set out with separate tables and felt like a cafeteria.
The accommodation was fine.
We stayed at the camp for access to the Etosha National Park, which was like the Kruger National Park, where you had to stay on the road to see the animals, apart from two areas where there were large water holes. There were lots of animals there, and also lots of vehicles. Since our return home we have spoken to a number of friends who have been to Etosha and all of them were disappointed with their experience there, saying that it was a bit like a UK safari park.
The camp was situated in, or had access to, a large reserve with plenty of animals, and there our guide could drive wherever he wished. The scenery there was stunning, with long golden grass, trees and wild flowers, and with dark mountains in the background." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Oryx
3 sightings
White Rhino
2 sightings
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
The trip to Etosha wasn't as good as the drives we had around the reserve. Etosha we thought was rather overrated." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Elephant
5 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Oryx
2 sightings
White Rhino
3 sightings
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
7 sightings
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ongava Tented Camp"
We spent all but one of our drives in Ongava's private reserve to avoid the big roads and busy waterholes of Etosha. The wildlife in Ongava was plentiful and varied with fantastic sightings of White Rhino with young, including a baby only days old.
We had to drive away quickly from an angry Black Rhino and spent time with 3 prides of lions.
It was interesting to see lots of birds for the only time on the trip including several Kori Bustard." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
White Rhino
2 sightings
Wildebeest
8 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
Highlights: walking up to three rhinos and having the waterhole visited late in the evening by a black rhino!
Comment: my wife very much disliked the use of margarine in various dishes - surely, butter is better!" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Elephant
2 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
4 sightings
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Ongava Tented Camp"
I paticularly liked tracking the white Rhinos on foot. The sightings everyday were plentiful.
The waterhole in front of the camp is entertaining all day (and even at night with Rhinos coming to drink).
Ongava Reserve has a lot to offer but the camp itself in my opinion could improve on their level of attention to details. I would have much preferred a verbal "knock knock" than a phone call for wake up. I found the management service level and attitude rather impersonal. " See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 8n in Zambia
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Lion
8 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
White Rhino
5 sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Ongava Tented Camp review"
On the reserve we saw lions and white rhino which were spectacular. Again, we could walk a short distance to the rhino, which is not possible in Etosha.
On the best waterholes, with regular visitors, including rhino!" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Another amazing wildlife encounter at Ongava "
Off we set for our sundowner, and then a bush dinner to watch the eclipse. As we arrived in the dark, at the location for our dinner, we were immediately struck by the effort staff had gone to to set up tables with white cloths, wine glasses, candles, warming fires, and yet more candles in paper bags to circle the dinner site, and we thought wow. Then the lights of our safari vehicle highlighted the two lions sitting on the banks of the dinner arena watching the proceedings! We had a short delay while staff shooed the lions away - we hoped. Next day we found out that there were actually 12 lions and of course the staff were keeping a very close eye on those lions.
Next morning our drive seemed quite mundane in comparison as we 'only' saw white rhinoceros and a few giraffes! Unfortunately we missed out on the opportunity to walk with the rhinoceros.
It is great when the guide, as our guide did here, talk to you, only when they have stopped the vehicle.
Our welcome here was warm and as we had had lunch we were offered a fruit platter. We can't remember breakfast as we were too busy watching the animals around the waterhole. " See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
Giraffe
1 sighting
Lion
2 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Etosha National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Camp is a large, well-equipped restcamp, with a productive floodlit waterhole.
Halali Camp
Halali is a large, government-run restcamp in a convenient central location inside Etosha National Park.
Mushara Bush Camp
The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers a beautifully designed lodge, friendly service and a great base from which to explore Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
Ongava is a smart lodge with fantastic views that offers a range of driving and walking safaris on its own reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.
Dolomite Camp
Opened in 2011, Dolomite Camp allows visitors access to the far west side of Etosha National Park, which was previously off limits to most visitors.
Mushara Lodge
Not far from the entrance to Etosha, Mushara Lodge offers comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms in a convenient location for exploring the park.
Namutoni Camp
Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.
Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp is a lovely, little tented camp which centres around an attractive waterhole a short drive from the Von Lindequist Gate to eastern Etosha.
Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
Hobatere Lodge
To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.
Mushara Outpost
Mushara Outpost is a comfortable, stylish lodge, and a good base from which to explore nearby Etosha National Park on your own or with a guided safari.
Onguma Tree Top Camp
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Tree Top are truly special.
Onguma The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.
Onguma Etosha Aoba
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Etosha Aoba is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.
Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.
Etosha Safari Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Safari Lodge is a convenient base from which to explore the park.
Etosha Safari Camp
Funky, low-key and very original, Etosha Safari Camp is well placed for visiting Etosha National Park on a self-drive or guided safari.
Little Ongava
The beautifully located and luxurious Little Ongava is a stunning place to stay in order to explore Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve.
Safarihoek Lodge
In the middle of the Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
With 106 rooms, child-friendly Mokuti Etosha Lodge is more like a hotel than a lode. Facilities to include a gym, spa, tennis courts and even a snake park.
Mountain Lodge
In the heart of the Etosha Heights Reserve, Mountain Lodge offers the chance for game drives and bush walks away from some of the crowds of Etosha.
Andersson's at Ongava
With game drives on both its private reserve and in Etosha, Andersson's at Ongava also offers access to the Ongava Research Centre.
Etosha Garden Hotel
Safari in Etosha National Park Namibia, whilst based at the nearby Etosha Garden Lodge.
Vreugde Guest Farm
Vreugde Guest Farm is a delightful owner-run and working sheep farm where you can expect a warm welcome and charming hospitality.
Villa Mushara
Villa Mushara offers luxury in a peaceful and isolated location. It is a good choice for honeymooners & those wishing to indulge themselves.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.
